Large Red Damselfly

Although there have been some good spells of sunshine during this last week, a nagging north-easterly breeze has given a cool nip to the air. It has therefore been a week of searching out sheltered south facing corners for signs of further spring emergence. On Monday I visited a favourite Wealden wood to check on the local Adder population.

Adders (Vipera berus). This photograph illustrates just how variable they can be.

 

On Wednesday I met up with Bob for a wander along some woodland edges. Neither of us had seen an Orange-tip yet and I was still in search of my first Speckled Wood of the year; both species were to remain elusive. Later in the day however, Bob would find our first Green Hairstreak of the season.

Peacock (Inachis io) nectaring on blackthorn flowers.

Large White (Pieris brassicae) (female)

 

On Thursday, Carol and I walked one of our regular routes on Pevensey Levels and I was pleased to spot two freshly emerged Large Red Damselflies.

 

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) (male)

 

 

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) (teneral female)